ISRAEL’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in Moscow for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin about the coordination between their armies in Syria as Middle East tensions escalate.

In a brief statement before his departure, the Israeli leader said: “I am now leaving for an important meeting with the Russian President. The meetings between us are always important and this one is especially so.

“In light of what is currently happening in Syria, it is necessary to ensure the continued coordination between the Russian military and the Israel Defence Forces.”

Mr Netanyahu’s trip comes hours after Syria said Israel carried out an attack on a military base which was used by Iranian forces south of Damascus.

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The pair met hours after Syria said Israel attacked a military base used by Iranian forces

In light of what is currently happening in Syria, it is necessary to ensure the continued coordination between the Russian military and the Israel Defence Forces

Benjamin Netanyahu

The visit also comes after the US announced Washington’s withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal, a decision which was strongly opposed by Israel.

Israel has said that it regarded Iran’s increasing influence in Syria a “threat” and this was not going to allow the entrenchment into Syria, which led to launch airstrikes against Iranian targets on Syrian territory.

Mr Netanyahu urged Russia to suppress Iran’s presence in Syria, where Russian and Iranian forces were working with and backing Bashar al-Assad’s Syrian regime.

The Israeli leader said on Tuesday Iran had increased aggressions in the region since the 2015 deal between Iran and six global powers was signed.

TASS

Mr Netanyahu attended a trade celebrating Russia's annual Victory Day

Mr Netanyahu attended a parade celebrating Russia’s annual victory day and a wreath-laying ceremony at the Red Square, in memory of soldiers of the Red Army who fell in the Second World War.

The Russian leader told the parade: “We remember the tragedies of the two world wars, about the lessons of history which do not allow us to become blind.

“The same old ugly traits are appearing along with new threats: egoism, intolerance, aggressive nationalism and claims to exceptionalism.”

He added: “We understand the full seriousness of those threats.”

Weapons on display at the Red Square included Russia's Yars mobile intercontinental nuclear missile launcher, its Iskander-M ballistic missile launchers, and its advanced S-400 air defence missile system, which Moscow has deployed in Syria to protect its forces.

The events are due be followed by talks with Mr Putin and a press briefing.